The TT beckons: PaddlUp partners with Isle of Man's fastest Irish rider

PaddlUp is expanding its motorsport offering with an exciting announcement, this time in the world of motorcycle racing and more specifically, road races and the infamous Isle of Man TT.

The Wiltshire-based supercar sales platform will be partnering with Brian McCormack for the 2022 running of the legendary race, among other events on this year's calendar.

A busy schedule awaits the 38-year-old, with the TT, several rounds of The Masters Superbike Championship, guest appearances at selected British Superbike races and the Macau Grand Prix all featuring on his 2022 calendar.

McCormack is something of a TT veteran with nine previous appearances around the Mountain Course to his name and some enviable bragging rights; he currently holds the title of the fastest ever Republic of Ireland rider at the Isle of Man TT, lapping the course at 128.812mph.

Despite competing on a privateer BMW on his last two appearances in both 2018 and 2019, the Waterford-based rider finished an eye-catching ninth and tenth in the respective Senior TTs of each year.

After a two-year hiatus owing to the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, McCormack is back at the Isle of Man with the front-running FHO Racing squad – whose interest was piqued by his giant-killing performances in '18 and '19 – and on his return, he brings with him a renewed hunger to fight at the front.

Brian McCormack, Rider, FHO Racing commented: "We were introduced to the PaddlUp team when they brought their F40 to Brands Hatch last season. It's been really exciting to get involved with a company that is unlike anything else out there at the moment.

"This will be my 10th season at the TT. Obviously, we haven't been there since 2019 but getting top tens during my last two outings, holding the title of the fastest Irish rider and racing with an amazing team like FHO gives me a lot of confidence heading into this year's event.

"A top-five finish is definitely the aim, I think I can learn a lot from Peter [Hickman] this year. I've prepared myself physically and mentally so hopefully with some good weather and good luck, we might even be knocking on the door of a podium.

"I'm really appreciative of everyone coming on board this year. I can’t do this without people like those at PaddlUp and everyone behind the scenes so I’m hoping I can repay their belief in me with some great results."

Tim Mayneord, CEO, PaddlUp added: "Through our mutual connections, we've brought this collaboration to life and it's great to be partnering with Brian for this season, especially at a race as illustrious as the TT.

"He's had some really impressive results at previous events, mixing it with the best riders in the world on a privately run bike is nothing short of spectacular.

"We have every confidence that he will give it his all, putting his bike as far up the order as possible and bringing the PaddlUp name to an entirely new audience."

*images courtesy of FHO Racing and Double Red Photographic